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New map highlights gold concentrations

The project found previously unknown concentrations of gold in a number of areas

A map has been published which highlights areas in six counties where anomalous gold concentrations have been found.

The Tellus Border Project found previously unknown concentrations of gold in a number of areas, including parts of Inishowen in Donegal, Easkey, Co Sligo, near Kingscourt on the Cavan-Monaghan border and Killashandra in Co Cavan.

However, Geological Survey of Ireland Director Koen Verbruggen said it is not known how much gold is in these areas.

It is hoped that following the publication of the map exploration companies will apply to prospect in the areas.

Since preliminary data was published in February, there has been an increase in prospecting licence applications in the border counties, with committed spending of up to €1m over a six-year period in the Irish economy if the applications are successful.

The surveys revealed information on over 50 elements in soil, which will be helpful to farmers.

It also revealed some areas that might be at higher risk of radon than previously thought.

Stephanie Long of the Radiological Institute of Ireland said this is very useful but needs further investigation.

However, she said their advice to people irrespective of whether they live in a high radon risk area or not is to have their homes tested and if there is a problem it is easy to rectify it.